Author Topic: Which one? 1895, 1895 XLR, or 1895 Cowboy - help decide! (Read 1683 times)

Bamasnyper · « **on:** May 09, 2006, 10:59:53 AM »

I am planning on buying a Marlin lever action in 45-70. I have been debating on which one to buy, the 1895, the 1895 XLR, or the 1895 Cowboy. I have handled all three and probably like the feel of the Cowboy
the best, but since I hunt mostly from treestands I thought its length might be a little unwieldy. I like the looks of the XLR the best but have about decided on the 1895 with the 22 in. barrel. I am probably going to be using the new Hornady Leverevolution ammo in whichever gun I decide on (I don't handload). So, my question is this, is the rifling on all three guns the same? I know the the XLR was made for this new ammo, but will it be just as effective in the other two? The twist rate is the same, but I don't know if there is some other difference or not. Also, while I am being long winded, will the differences in barrel lengths on these three for this cartridge make enough difference that I should use this as a factor in making my final decision on gun choice.

One last thing, I don't want a barrel as short as the Guide Gun has , so it is not an option even though it might make the best treestand gun.

B_Koes · « **Reply #1 on:** May 10, 2006, 05:36:30 AM »

I don't know about what would be best from a treestand, but there isn't going to be all that much difference in performance between a 22" & a 26" barrel. Certainly not enough that should significantly influence your decision (in my opionion anyway). The good ol' .45-70 doesn't kill with speed anyway so make your decision based on what rifle you like the best.

Winter Hawk · « **Reply #2 on:** May 10, 2006, 09:18:49 AM »

What are you going to use for sights? If you are going to use iron sights, whether with a peep or open rear, the longer sight radius of the Cowboy would be a plus. I'm doubt if the 4" extra would make any difference in a tree stand, but I say that with no experience in using one for hunting.

I know that folks talk about short guns being handy in the brush. I don't seem to have any problems using my Lyman GPR muzzleloader in our brushy Southeast Alaska, and it is certainly not short. If you like the Cowboy, I think you should get it. Otherwise you will always be lusting for one.

-WH-

shilo · « **Reply #3 on:** May 12, 2006, 03:43:16 PM »

My vote goes for the Cowboy. I like the trimmer forearm and lack of checkering on them. Also, they seem to balance better for me. And as was said, if your going to use iron sights the longer sight radius will be helpful. I put a Williams Foolproof on mine and really like the gun. Just has a beautiful, classy look to me.

RemingtonMagnum · « **Reply #4 on:** May 12, 2006, 05:16:12 PM »

I love the Black/Grey 45/70 XLR it is a gun to dream about. OH Yes in Stainless Steel...

Don Jackson Remington Magnum/Ultramag

daddywpb · « **Reply #5 on:** May 12, 2006, 11:48:01 PM »

I know you said you didn't like the Guide gun, but I just made the same choice myself, and I chose the Guide gun. It depends on what it's purpose will be. If I was shooting CAS matches or hunting in more open country, I would have picked a longer barrel. I wanted a new hog rifle for hunting swampy, very thick palmetto scrub, and the 18" barrel will be perfect. When slung on my shoulder, the muzzle doesn't stick way above my head, a nice feature when you're crawling thru mud under bushes. Most shots will be 50 yards or under. I installed a ghost ring sight set up and a Wild West trigger and she's ready to go for the upcoming season. My rifle shoots equally well with 300 or 400 grain Hornady Interlocks. A brush gun dream come true.

Ballistics difference between 18" and 22" barrels are insignificant.

Old Griz · « **Reply #6 on:** May 13, 2006, 06:34:26 PM »

:cb2: Way back when I got my 1895 is was called the 1895 SS, but I guess Marlin thought it was too confusing having a blued gun ending with "SS". It even has the MicroGroove bore. This was before the Guide Gun, the Cowboy, etc., etc., etc. However, it is so accurate that I would never part with it. (Hate to say "never" . . .) I have to admit, I sure do wish I had that Cowboy. Just the extra weight alone would probably make it more plesant to shoot. When I finally got a .30-30 I got the Cowboy, so I guess if I were buying a .45-70 today, I'd go with the Cowboy, as well. They look so darn good, too!

Bamasnyper · « **Reply #7 on:** May 15, 2006, 10:40:17 AM »

In response to winter hawk, I am going to use a low power scope on the gun. I don't trust my eyes with open sights any longer. I have read somewhere that the Cowboy didn't work real well with a scope, but I don't know. What do you think?

totallycustom · « **Reply #8 on:** May 15, 2006, 11:46:11 AM »

I have a cowboy on order, Its gonna be great, I like the shape and feel much better than a standard or guide, but I am also using open sights with mine. Maybe the standard 1895 would work well for you with the scope? I think it would handle the recoil a little better because or the added weight?

-TC-

DirtyDan · « **Reply #9 on:** May 19, 2006, 09:03:42 AM »

I hunt out of a tree stand almost exclusively for deer. Both of my Marlins have 18.5 in barrels- 1894C(357) & 30TK(30-30). I am shopping for a 45-70 and likely will go w/ a Guide Gun. I am partial to straight stocks & short barrles. I like the looks of the Cowboy best and the added weight would be nice at the range. The standard 22" model is a good compromise and will look fine w/ a scope. A scope on the Cowboy ruins the traditional look in my opinion.

TexasHorn · « **Reply #10 on:** July 13, 2006, 07:20:27 PM »

I hunt out of a stand as well as on the ground with my 1895G. I recently starting shooting the Leverolution load from Hornady and have no problem out to 150 yards. This set up gives me a great gun for just about any situation. Short barrel for trees, quick sight aquisition in the woods (leupold scout scope) and decent long range in the field.
TexasHorn

Old Griz · « **Reply #11 on:** July 13, 2006, 08:02:07 PM »

Oh, just a suggestion . . .
I learned a painful lesson about scoping a 1895. Thank goodness I was wearing safety glasses. I had a 3x9 and the first shot would have connected my eyebrows if I hadn't had them on. Got a 4x shotgun scope that same day. It has 5.5 inches of eye relief and a wonderful clear picture. That's all the power I need with a .45-70, and I don't have to worry about the old "third eye" problem again.

TexasHorn · « **Reply #12 on:** July 14, 2006, 03:05:10 AM »

Old Griz brings up a good point. I have mounted a Leupold 2.5 scout scope on a XS scout scope mounting rail which brings the scope away from the eye to more of the middle of the gun. The nice thing about a scout sope is it will allow for quick aquisition shots. My scope is mounted with detachable rings. I can remove and use my XS ghost sight then put the scope right back in place and it's sighted back in.
TexasHorn

Davemuzz · « **Reply #13 on:** July 14, 2006, 03:23:03 AM »

Well, someone has to be different....so I guess it will be me. I don't own any Lever guns. So after one of our local gun club shoots I was looking at a few and drooling over the Marlins and decided to buy one. So, I'm waiting for the phone call from the shop telling me it's here, as i ordered the Marlin 1895XLR.

I bot the XLR because I do like stainless, (That was a toss up because classic blue is just that....classic) and I wanted a laminated stock. I don't know why, but it just seems that every nice wood stock gun I buy, no matter how careful I am, gets it's "war marks" early on. So I just figured laminated would end my pain on this one.

Dave.

Old Griz · « **Reply #14 on:** July 14, 2006, 04:00:23 AM »

Ya did good Dave! Lever guns and single action revolvers are just good old American fun! Hope you really enjoy it.

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #15 on:** July 15, 2006, 06:44:13 PM »

They are all good! My recommendation, however, is to NOT get one. People that do soon find that their bolt guns stay in the safe more and more. Invariably another Marlin shows up. Then another. Its a disease...

My mistake was picking up a used Marlin 375 (.375 Winchester). After taking it to the range a few times I discovered I really wanted -- and NEEDED -- a .45-70, something I had managed to live without for over 50 years. After scratching that itch I just HAD to get a .30-30. Now I'm looking at the XLR's and wondering which caliber...

But if you MUST...

Williams FireSift front bead with Marlin 'cut-out' hood, Williams 'Maxima' Quick Detach rings and bases (medium height), Leupold VX-I or VX-II 2-7x33.

Be careful choosing a scope - the Leupold has a 4.9" eye relief and is fairly compact. I shoot my heaviest loads with the scope mounted and haven't been hit yet...

tanoose · « **Reply #16 on:** July 16, 2006, 05:34:00 AM »

For myself i like a thicker forend and the cowboy is not comfortable for me . I wouldn't choose any of the above especially for use in tree stands . My opinion would be to get the stainless guide gun with williams peep sights.

Davemuzz · « **Reply #17 on:** July 16, 2006, 05:38:24 PM »

Picked it up today!!!

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a212/davemuzz/DSC00210.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a212/davemuzz/DSC00207.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a212/davemuzz/DSC00206.jpg

Bamasnyper · « **Reply #18 on:** July 18, 2006, 03:50:22 AM »

Thanks for the info, guys. I finally did get me a 45-70, but got in a NEF Handi-rifle. I had a chance to get a good trade on one at a gun show and just couldn't pass it up. However, I did stop on the way home from the gun show at a local shop and order me a Marlin 336 XLR in a .30-30 cal. So, I guess I got the best of both worlds. I just had to have me one of the new XLR's in some caliber.

Davemuzz · « **Reply #19 on:** July 18, 2006, 11:05:10 AM »

I loaded up some 350 grainers and took it to the range yesterday and today!!! Man, does this action work smooooth. I sighted it in at 2" high at 50 yards using the factory open sights, and then (yeah.....this may sound a bit nutz) took it out groundhog hunting.

Well, I missed the first one at about 80 yards. Shot just under the varmit, but it was a bit entertaining as it jumped about a foot in the air. The second one met his fate with a 350 grainer Hornady freight train. (Big hole in...Big hole out) I usually groundhog hunt with my Thompson Center 223 with the 14X Leupold scope, but there are occasions where open sights and close shots do occur..if you set yourself up for them.

This is my first Marlin lever action big bore gun. Man, what a gun to shoot. Ask me why I didn't own one of these ten years ago? Great balance, excellent action (did I say that already?)...and I do like the laminated stock. Maybe that's why I didn't buy one before?....the laminated stock!! And the recoil pad....this one is a keeper and I can't say that about too many factory recoil pads.

Good job Marlin!!! You have a customer here!

Dave.